US3828790A - Surgical snare - Google Patents

Surgical snare Download PDF

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US3828790A
US3828790A US00336631A US33663173A US3828790A US 3828790 A US3828790 A US 3828790A US 00336631 A US00336631 A US 00336631A US 33663173 A US33663173 A US 33663173A US 3828790 A US3828790 A US 3828790A
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loop
lead
core member
surgical snare
plane
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US00336631A
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L Curtiss
R Hall
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Circon Corp
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American Cystoscope Makers Inc
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Priority to GB639374A priority patent/GB1429436A/en
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Assigned to AMERICAN HOSPITAL SUPPLY CORPORATION, A CORP. OF ILL. reassignment AMERICAN HOSPITAL SUPPLY CORPORATION, A CORP. OF ILL. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: AMERICAN CYSTOSCOPE MAKERS, INC.
Assigned to AMERICAN HOSPITAL SUPPLY CORPORATION, A CORP. OF ILL. reassignment AMERICAN HOSPITAL SUPPLY CORPORATION, A CORP. OF ILL. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: AMERICAN CYSTOSCOPE MAKERS, INC. A CORP. OF N.Y.
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Assigned to CONNECTICUT BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, THE reassignment CONNECTICUT BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, THE SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CIRCON CORPORATION
Assigned to CIRCON CORPORATION, A CORP. OF CA reassignment CIRCON CORPORATION, A CORP. OF CA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: SECURITY PACIFIC NATIONAL BANK
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Assigned to CIRCON CORPORATION A CORP. OF DE reassignment CIRCON CORPORATION A CORP. OF DE RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS) Assignors: CONNECTICUT BANK AND TRUST, N.A.
Assigned to CIRCON CORPORATION A CORP. OF DE reassignment CIRCON CORPORATION A CORP. OF DE 0MERGER (SEE RECORD FOR DETAILS) EFFECTIVE DATE 10-5-87. DE. Assignors: CIRCON CORPORATION A CORP. OF CA
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
    • A61B17/3205—Excision instruments
    • A61B17/32056—Surgical snare instruments
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/08—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by means of electrically-heated probes
    • A61B18/10—Power sources therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00636—Sensing and controlling the application of energy
    • A61B2018/00642—Sensing and controlling the application of energy with feedback, i.e. closed loop control
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00636—Sensing and controlling the application of energy
    • A61B2018/00773—Sensed parameters
    • A61B2018/00791—Temperature

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT Surgical snare has an operating loop formed with a resilient spiral sleeve through which a core member extends.
  • the core member is flat and resilient, forming a spring which has greater flexibility in the direction parallel to the rest plane of the operating loop than normal thereto, thereby providing a surgical snare with a loop which, though having the thickness of the spiral sleeve, has substantially the flexibility of the much thinner core member in the directon parallel to the plane of the loop.
  • This invention relates to a surgical instrument and, more particularly, to a surgical snare suitable for use in carrying out polypectomy procedures.
  • Surgical snares hitherto have comprised an elongated flexible sheath connected at its proximal end to an operating handle. Extending through the sheathis an elongated flexible cable, the proximal-end portion of which is connected to a movable portion of the operating handle so that the cable can be retracted and protracted by the surgeon relative to the sheath.
  • An operating loop is connected to the distal-end portion of the cable which is opened and closed by the surgeon to the extent that he shifts the movable portion of the operating handle to protract or retract the cable.
  • the operating loop When the cable is in its protracted or forward position, the operating loop is outside the sheath and in its fully extended position. As the cable is retracted, the loop is drawn into the sheath and closed.
  • a surgical snare having a flexible sheath, preferably formed of a material which has good insulative properties, connected adjacent to its proximal end to one portion of an operating handle.
  • a flexible, conductive lead fixed to a second portion of the operating handle that is movable with respect to the first, extends through the sheath to adjacent the distal end thereof.
  • Connected to the lead adjacent to its distal end is a snare operating loop made up of a resilient core member which has a high degree of flexibility in a plane parallel to the rest plane of the loop, while being relatively rigid normal to the loop, and is enclosed in a resilient spiral sleeve which is also highly flexible.
  • the apparent diameter of the composite loop thus formed is that of the outer spiral sleeve.
  • the core member preferably has a thickness significantly less than that of its width and is oriented with its shorter dimension extending substantially parallel to the plane of the operating loop when the latter is in its rest position.
  • the opposite ends of both the inner and outer members are preferably brought together and joined to the distal-end portion of the lead. The dimensions of the parts are such that when the lead is fully retracted, the operating loop freely enters and is enclosed in the flexible sheath;
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view, partially in section, of a surgical snare constructed in accordance with the present invention and showing the snare assembly in its protracted position;
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the snare lead and loop assembly removed from the grip assembly
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the snare loop taken along the line 33 of FIG. 2;
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 are enlarged cross-sectional views taken respectively along the lines 4-4 and 55 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view of the snare loop core member.
  • surgical snare 10 comprises a finger grip assembly 11, a stem assembly 12 which is connected thereto, and a lead and loop assembly 13.
  • the finger grip assembly may be of conventional construction, as shown, having an elongated stem holder 14 which may be generally rod-shaped with flat sides, to the proximal end of which is connected a thumb grip 15.
  • a finger grip 16 is slidably mounted on the stem holder 14 for movement between the thumb grip l5 and the proximal end of the stem assembly 12, the latter being connected to the distal end of the stem holder 14 by means of a spacer block 17.
  • Stem assembly 12 comprises an elongated tubular member 18, the proximal end of which is engaged by the spacer block 17, and to which is connected the proximal end of an elongated flexible tube 19.
  • the stem assembly 12 including the tube 19 are formed of electrically nonconductive material.
  • Tube 19, which forms the sheath for the lead and loop assembly 13, is preferably formed of polytetrafluoroethylene and is cemented to tubular member 18.
  • the length of tube 19 may vary, as desired, to conform with the intended use of the snare l and is just enough shorter than the lead and loop assembly 13 so that the latter, in its protracted position, is positioned with its loop extending outside the distal end of tube 19.
  • Snare lead and loop assembly 13 comprises an elongated, flexible lead 20, preferably formed of electrically conductive cable (as shown) or wire, and is substantially circular in cross section so that when the lead is flexed in use, the snare operating loop 21 is not caused to rotate.
  • Operating loop 21 comprises a spiral sleeve 22 through which extends a flat, resilient core 23 forming a spring which, when unconfined, preferably has the shape shown in FIG. 6 and normally urges the operating loop 21 to the shape shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • spiral sleeve 22 comprises two spiral members 22a and 22b having their distal ends spaced to facilitate flexing of the core 23 at its cusp 23awhen the operating loop 21 is drawn into or extended from the sheath 19.
  • the proximal ends of the sleeve 22 and the ends of the core spring 23 are connected together and to the distal end of the lead 20. As shown, the ends of the sleeve 22 and core spring 23 are soldered together and to the end portion of the lead 20.
  • Spiral members 22a, and 22b and flat core spring 23 are advantageously formed from austenitic stainless steel. While the dimensions of the sleeve 22 and spring 23 may vary. the flat spring should be thick enough to provide the required strength. For this purpose, steel ribbon about 0.002 to 0.005 in. thick provides good results.
  • the spiral members 22a and 2212 are wound relatively loosely from stainless steel wire with the space between adjacent turns of the helix equal to from about one-sixth to about twice, preferably about one-third, the diameter of the helix wire.
  • a snare loop which provides excellent characteristics is made from a flat core spring 23 which is about 0.003 in. thick and about 0.009 in. wide.
  • the spiral sleeve 22 was made from wire having a diameter of about 0.006 in. wound to an outer diameter of about 0.023 in. with the spacing between adjacent turns of the helix equal to about 0.002 in.
  • the wider surfaces of the spring core 23 extend substantially normal to the plane of the loop while the sides or thickness of the core 23 extends substantially parallel thereto. This ensures that the snare loop 21 which has a thickness of about 0.023 in. will substantially have the flexibility of the 0.003 in. thick ribbon in the direction parallel to the plane of the loop while being somewhat stiffer normal to the plane ofthe loop so as to facilitate manipulatron.
  • surgical snare 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention provides a snare loop having a unique combination of flexibility and thickness so as to facilitate manipulation by the surgeon while minimizing the likelihood of premature cutting of the polyp.
  • the relative flexibility of the operating loop 21 in its own plane and its much greater stiffness transverse to its plane simplifies slipping the loop 21 about the stalk of the polyp.
  • the lead and loop assembly 13 is readily disengaged by unscrewing the clamping knob 26 and can be completely withdrawn for straightening or replacement and then reinserted without disturbing the position of the stem assembly 12 and the sheath 19 or the patient.
  • the structure of the operating loop not only minimizes the likelihood of deformation in use, but also, the flat core facilitates reshaping if that should be necessary.
  • a surgical snare comprising an elongated flexible sheath, a lead extending in said sheath, operating loop means connected to the distal-end portion of said lead, actuating means connected to the proximal end portion of said lead for shifting the same relative to said sheath between a retracted position in which said operating loop means is nested within said sheath and a protracted position in which said operating loop means extends beyond the distal end of said sheath and is free to open to form a loop, said operating loop means including an elongated flexible spiral sleeve and an elongated resilient core member extending in said spiral sleeve, and said operating loop means having substantially greater flexibility in the direction parallel to its plane when open than normal thereto.
  • a surgical snare as set forth in claim 1 in which said core member has a thickness in the direction parallel to said plane of said operating loop means which is substantially less than its width in the direction normal to said plane.
  • a surgical snare as set forth in claim 2 in which the thickness of said core member is substantially less than the inner diameter of said spiral sleeve.
  • a surgical snare as set forth in claim 3 in which the width of said core member is substantially equal to the inner diameter of said spiral sleeve.
  • a surgical snare as set forth in claim 4 in which said lead is removably connected to said actuating means.
  • a surgical snare lead and loop assembly comprising an elongated lead, means forming a flexible operating loop connected to the distal-end portion of said lead and comprising flexible spiral sleeve means and an elongated resilient core member extending in said sleeve means, said core member having a width substantially greater than its thickness extending with its width substantially normal to the plane of said loop, whereby said operating loop has substantially greater resistance of flexure in the direction normal to the plane of said loop than in the direction parallel thereto.

Abstract

Surgical snare has an operating loop formed with a resilient spiral sleeve through which a core member extends. The core member is flat and resilient, forming a spring which has greater flexibility in the direction parallel to the rest plane of the operating loop than normal thereto, thereby providing a surgical snare with a loop which, though having the thickness of the spiral sleeve, has substantially the flexibility of the much thinner core member in the directon parallel to the plane of the loop.

Description

States atent 1191 Curtiss et a1.
[ Aug. 13, 1974 SURGICAL SNARE Inventors: Lawrence F. Curtiss, Englewood,
N.J.; Richard W. Hall, New Cannaan, Conn.
Assignee: American Cytoscope Makers, Inc.,
Pelham, Mass.
Filed: Feb. 28, 1973 Appl. No.: 336,631
U.S. CI 128/320, 30/116, 128/303.14 Int. Cl A61b 17/00 Field of Search 128/320, 319, 305, 306, 128/307, 308, 309, 303.14, 303.16, 317; 30/116, 140
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 6/1915 Araki 30/116 1,225,771 5/1917 Clare 128/320 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 46,856 5/1889 Germany 128/303.l6
Primary ExaminerLucie I-l. Laudenslager Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Edgar N. Jay
[ 5 7 ABSTRACT Surgical snare has an operating loop formed with a resilient spiral sleeve through which a core member extends. The core member is flat and resilient, forming a spring which has greater flexibility in the direction parallel to the rest plane of the operating loop than normal thereto, thereby providing a surgical snare with a loop which, though having the thickness of the spiral sleeve, has substantially the flexibility of the much thinner core member in the directon parallel to the plane of the loop.
8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures SURGICAL SNARE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a surgical instrument and, more particularly, to a surgical snare suitable for use in carrying out polypectomy procedures.
Surgical snares suitable for use in removing polyps, such as those which are formed in the colon of a patient, have been in use for many years. Though such instruments have been used with success, they have left much to be desired. Surgical snares hitherto have comprised an elongated flexible sheath connected at its proximal end to an operating handle. Extending through the sheathis an elongated flexible cable, the proximal-end portion of which is connected to a movable portion of the operating handle so that the cable can be retracted and protracted by the surgeon relative to the sheath. An operating loop is connected to the distal-end portion of the cable which is opened and closed by the surgeon to the extent that he shifts the movable portion of the operating handle to protract or retract the cable. When the cable is in its protracted or forward position, the operating loop is outside the sheath and in its fully extended position. As the cable is retracted, the loop is drawn into the sheath and closed.
In carrying out a polypectomy procedure, after the instrument has been inserted and positioned in the usual way in the patient, the surgeon must manipulate it so as to bring the loop over the head of the polyp so that it can be tightened around the polyp stalk. Such instruments are usually provided with an electrical socket so that when connected to an appropriate power supply, the surgeon may apply a cauterizing current as the polyp is removed. If no electrical current is to be applied, then, by partially closing the loop, the stalk of the polyp is held constricted long enough so that no bleeding will result when the loop is fully closed to remove the head of the polyp.
To facilitate manipulation of the operating loop by the surgeon, it should be sufficiently flexible and resilient so that it can be readily brought over the head of a polyp to engage the stalk. However, in practice, improved flexibility was achieved by reducing the thickness or diameter of the operating loop; but when made thin enough to provide sufficient flexibility to prevent deformation during use, it became extremely difficult for the surgeon to avoid cutting through the stalk of the polyp when all that was wanted was to constrict it. When such premature cutting occurred, it was no longer possible to effect cauterization, and there was a resultant risk of excessive bleeding and infection. When the cutting loop wire was increased in thickness to minimize the risk of premature cutting of the polyp, an expensive hinge was required at the distal end of the snare loop, and the loop, because of its thickness, had a tendency to become deformed in use so that reshaping was necessary. In addition, the reduction in flexibility tended to increase the surgeons difficulty in manipulating the instrument.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, a principal object of this invention to provide an improved surgical snare of the type especially well suited for removing polyps formed in the colon of a patient and characterized by an improved flexibility, which can be more readily manipulated by the surgeon and yet which, in use, is less likely to result in premature cutting of polyps and which is less likely to be deformed.
In accordance with this invention, a surgical snare is provided having a flexible sheath, preferably formed of a material which has good insulative properties, connected adjacent to its proximal end to one portion of an operating handle. A flexible, conductive lead, fixed to a second portion of the operating handle that is movable with respect to the first, extends through the sheath to adjacent the distal end thereof. Connected to the lead adjacent to its distal end is a snare operating loop made up of a resilient core member which has a high degree of flexibility in a plane parallel to the rest plane of the loop, while being relatively rigid normal to the loop, and is enclosed in a resilient spiral sleeve which is also highly flexible. The apparent diameter of the composite loop thus formed is that of the outer spiral sleeve. The core member preferably has a thickness significantly less than that of its width and is oriented with its shorter dimension extending substantially parallel to the plane of the operating loop when the latter is in its rest position. The opposite ends of both the inner and outer members are preferably brought together and joined to the distal-end portion of the lead. The dimensions of the parts are such that when the lead is fully retracted, the operating loop freely enters and is enclosed in the flexible sheath;
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof and the accompanying drawing in which FIG. 1 is a plan view, partially in section, of a surgical snare constructed in accordance with the present invention and showing the snare assembly in its protracted position;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the snare lead and loop assembly removed from the grip assembly;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the snare loop taken along the line 33 of FIG. 2;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are enlarged cross-sectional views taken respectively along the lines 4-4 and 55 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the snare loop core member.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Turning now to the drawings in detail, surgical snare 10 comprises a finger grip assembly 11, a stem assembly 12 which is connected thereto, and a lead and loop assembly 13. The finger grip assembly may be of conventional construction, as shown, having an elongated stem holder 14 which may be generally rod-shaped with flat sides, to the proximal end of which is connected a thumb grip 15. A finger grip 16 is slidably mounted on the stem holder 14 for movement between the thumb grip l5 and the proximal end of the stem assembly 12, the latter being connected to the distal end of the stem holder 14 by means of a spacer block 17.
Stem assembly 12 comprises an elongated tubular member 18, the proximal end of which is engaged by the spacer block 17, and to which is connected the proximal end of an elongated flexible tube 19. The stem assembly 12 including the tube 19 are formed of electrically nonconductive material. Tube 19, which forms the sheath for the lead and loop assembly 13, is preferably formed of polytetrafluoroethylene and is cemented to tubular member 18. The length of tube 19 may vary, as desired, to conform with the intended use of the snare l and is just enough shorter than the lead and loop assembly 13 so that the latter, in its protracted position, is positioned with its loop extending outside the distal end of tube 19.
Snare lead and loop assembly 13 comprises an elongated, flexible lead 20, preferably formed of electrically conductive cable (as shown) or wire, and is substantially circular in cross section so that when the lead is flexed in use, the snare operating loop 21 is not caused to rotate. Operating loop 21 comprises a spiral sleeve 22 through which extends a flat, resilient core 23 forming a spring which, when unconfined, preferably has the shape shown in FIG. 6 and normally urges the operating loop 21 to the shape shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, spiral sleeve 22 comprises two spiral members 22a and 22b having their distal ends spaced to facilitate flexing of the core 23 at its cusp 23awhen the operating loop 21 is drawn into or extended from the sheath 19. The proximal ends of the sleeve 22 and the ends of the core spring 23 are connected together and to the distal end of the lead 20. As shown, the ends of the sleeve 22 and core spring 23 are soldered together and to the end portion of the lead 20. Spiral members 22a, and 22b and flat core spring 23 are advantageously formed from austenitic stainless steel. While the dimensions of the sleeve 22 and spring 23 may vary. the flat spring should be thick enough to provide the required strength. For this purpose, steel ribbon about 0.002 to 0.005 in. thick provides good results. The spiral members 22a and 2212 are wound relatively loosely from stainless steel wire with the space between adjacent turns of the helix equal to from about one-sixth to about twice, preferably about one-third, the diameter of the helix wire.
A snare loop which provides excellent characteristics is made from a flat core spring 23 which is about 0.003 in. thick and about 0.009 in. wide. The spiral sleeve 22 was made from wire having a diameter of about 0.006 in. wound to an outer diameter of about 0.023 in. with the spacing between adjacent turns of the helix equal to about 0.002 in. When the ends of the spiral sleeve 22 and the flat core spring 23 are joined together and to the distal end of the lead 20, care is taken to ensure that the end portions of the core 23 are joined so that its wider surfaces are in face-to-face relation. Thus, when the unconfined loop opens, the wider surfaces of the spring core 23 extend substantially normal to the plane of the loop while the sides or thickness of the core 23 extends substantially parallel thereto. This ensures that the snare loop 21 which has a thickness of about 0.023 in. will substantially have the flexibility of the 0.003 in. thick ribbon in the direction parallel to the plane of the loop while being somewhat stiffer normal to the plane ofthe loop so as to facilitate manipulatron.
The lead 20, when it is formed of wire cable as shown, is enclosed at its proximal end in a short length of stainless steel tubing 25 which facilitates removably connecting the lead to the finger grip assembly 11 by means of a clamping knob 26 threaded into the finger grip assembly 11 which also is desirably provided with an insulated electrical connector 27 by which cutting and coagulation current is conveniently brought in to the snare lead and loop assembly 13.
In use, the operating surgeon grasps the thumb and finger grips 15 and 16 bringing them together so that the operating loop 21 is drawn entirely into the sheath 19. The surgical snare 10 is inserted and operated within a patient using well-known techniques which form no part of the present invention and, thus, need not be discussed further here. However, it should be noted that surgical snare 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention provides a snare loop having a unique combination of flexibility and thickness so as to facilitate manipulation by the surgeon while minimizing the likelihood of premature cutting of the polyp. The relative flexibility of the operating loop 21 in its own plane and its much greater stiffness transverse to its plane simplifies slipping the loop 21 about the stalk of the polyp. The lead and loop assembly 13 is readily disengaged by unscrewing the clamping knob 26 and can be completely withdrawn for straightening or replacement and then reinserted without disturbing the position of the stem assembly 12 and the sheath 19 or the patient. The structure of the operating loop not only minimizes the likelihood of deformation in use, but also, the flat core facilitates reshaping if that should be necessary.
The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents ofthe features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.
We claim:
I. A surgical snare comprising an elongated flexible sheath, a lead extending in said sheath, operating loop means connected to the distal-end portion of said lead, actuating means connected to the proximal end portion of said lead for shifting the same relative to said sheath between a retracted position in which said operating loop means is nested within said sheath and a protracted position in which said operating loop means extends beyond the distal end of said sheath and is free to open to form a loop, said operating loop means including an elongated flexible spiral sleeve and an elongated resilient core member extending in said spiral sleeve, and said operating loop means having substantially greater flexibility in the direction parallel to its plane when open than normal thereto.
2. A surgical snare as set forth in claim 1 in which said core member has a thickness in the direction parallel to said plane of said operating loop means which is substantially less than its width in the direction normal to said plane.
3. A surgical snare as set forth in claim 2 in which the thickness of said core member is substantially less than the inner diameter of said spiral sleeve.
4. A surgical snare as set forth in claim 3 in which the width of said core member is substantially equal to the inner diameter of said spiral sleeve.
5. A surgical snare as set forth in claim 4 in which said lead is removably connected to said actuating means.
6. A surgical snare lead and loop assembly, comprising an elongated lead, means forming a flexible operating loop connected to the distal-end portion of said lead and comprising flexible spiral sleeve means and an elongated resilient core member extending in said sleeve means, said core member having a width substantially greater than its thickness extending with its width substantially normal to the plane of said loop, whereby said operating loop has substantially greater resistance of flexure in the direction normal to the plane of said loop than in the direction parallel thereto.
7. Surgical snare lead and loop assembly as set forth UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE @ERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION Patent No. 90 Dated August 13, 1974 Inventor(s) Lawrence-E. Curtiss and Richard W. Hall It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and, that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:
Front page, Item [75] Inventors names, for
"Lawrence F. Curtiss" read Lawrence E. Curtiss and Inventors J address, for "New Cannaan" read New Canaan.--.
Item [73] Assignee, for "Cytoscope" read Cystoscope and for "Mass."
read N.'Y.
Column 5, line 8, in claim 6, for "of" read to Column 6, line 9, in claim 8, before "spiral" insert said Signed and sealed this 19th day of November 1974 .n
(SEAL) Attest:
McCOY M. GIBSON JR. c. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer I Commissioner of Patents USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 9 u.s. sovzmmrm PRINHNG OFFICE was o-ass-as:
1 FOQRM PO-IOSO (1 O-69)

Claims (8)

1. A surgical snare comprising an elongated flexible sheath, a lead extending in said sheath, operating loop means connected to the distal-end portion of said lead, actuating means connected to the proximal end portion of said lead for shifting the same relative to said sheath between a retracted position in which said operating loop means is nested within said sheath and a protracted position in which said operating loop means extends beyond the distal end of said sheath and is free to open to form a loop, said operating loop means including an elongated flexible spiral sleeve and an elongated resilient core member extending in said spiral sleeve, and said operating loop means having substantially greater flexibility in the direction parallel to its plane when open than normal thereto.
2. A surgical snare as set forth in claim 1 in which said core member has a thickness in the direction parallel to said plane of said operating loop means which is substantially less than its width in the direction normal to said plane.
3. A surgical snare as set forth in claim 2 in which the thickness of said core member is substantially less than the inner diameter of said spiral sleeve.
4. A surgical snare as set forth in claim 3 in which the width of said core member is substantially equal to the inner diameter of said spiral sleeve.
5. A surgical snare as set forth in claim 4 in which said lead is removably connected to said actuating means.
6. A surgical snare lead and loop assembly, comprising an elongated lead, means forming a flexible operating loop connected to the distal-end portion of said lead and comprising flexible spiral sleeve means and an elongated resilient core member extending in said sleeve means, said core member having a width substantially greater than its thickness extending with its width substantially normal to the plane of said loop, whereby said operating loop has substantially greater resistance of flexure in the direction normal to the plane of said loop than in the direction parallel thereto.
7. Surgical snare lead and loop assembly as set forth in claim 6 in which said spiral sleeve means comprises a pair of spiral members connected adjacent to their proximal ends to the distal end of said lead and extending about said core member with their distal ends in close-spaced relation, and the end portions of said core member are connected to the distal-end portion of said lead.
8. Surgical snare lead and loop assembly as set forth in claim 7 in which said lead, spiral members and said core member are electrically conductive.
US00336631A 1973-02-28 1973-02-28 Surgical snare Expired - Lifetime US3828790A (en)

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US00336631A US3828790A (en) 1973-02-28 1973-02-28 Surgical snare
GB639374A GB1429436A (en) 1973-02-28 1974-02-12 Surgical snare

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WO1992005828A1 (en) * 1990-10-09 1992-04-16 Raychem Corporation Device or apparatus for manipulating matter
US5171233A (en) * 1990-04-25 1992-12-15 Microvena Corporation Snare-type probe
US5171314A (en) * 1990-07-24 1992-12-15 Andrew Surgical, Inc. Surgical snare
US5201741A (en) * 1990-07-24 1993-04-13 Andrew Surgical, Inc. Surgical snare with shape memory effect wire
US5207686A (en) * 1992-04-15 1993-05-04 Stuart Dolgin Surgical snare
US5312416A (en) * 1991-10-18 1994-05-17 Endomedix Corporation Method and system for enclosing, manipulating, debulking and removing tissue through minimal access incisions
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US5860987A (en) * 1994-10-04 1999-01-19 United States Surgical Corporation Surgical retractor
US5944728A (en) * 1998-04-23 1999-08-31 Boston Scientific Corporation Surgical retrieval basket with the ability to capture and release material
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US6099534A (en) * 1997-10-01 2000-08-08 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Releasable basket
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US6174318B1 (en) 1998-04-23 2001-01-16 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Basket with one or more moveable legs
US6183482B1 (en) 1997-10-01 2001-02-06 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Medical retrieval basket with legs shaped to enhance capture and reduce trauma
US6224612B1 (en) 1998-04-23 2001-05-01 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Atraumatic medical retrieval device
US6245078B1 (en) * 1999-04-26 2001-06-12 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Snare for endoscope
US6267592B1 (en) * 1999-12-22 2001-07-31 Pro Post, Inc. Highly flexible instrument for dental applications
US6440138B1 (en) 1998-04-06 2002-08-27 Kyphon Inc. Structures and methods for creating cavities in interior body regions
US6458145B1 (en) 2000-11-28 2002-10-01 Hatch Medical L.L.C. Intra vascular snare and method of forming the same
US20030023247A1 (en) * 2001-07-03 2003-01-30 Lind Stuart J. Medical retrieval device with cable protection means
US6517550B1 (en) 2000-02-02 2003-02-11 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Foreign body retrieval device
US6537273B1 (en) 1999-07-02 2003-03-25 Alexander K. D. Sosiak Device and method for removing large tissue masses
US6551304B1 (en) 1999-12-01 2003-04-22 Abbeymoor Medical, Inc. Magnetic retrieval device and method of use
WO2003053260A1 (en) * 2001-12-20 2003-07-03 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Apparatus and method for capturing a wire in a blood vessel
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US20040199200A1 (en) * 2003-04-07 2004-10-07 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Beaded basket retrieval device
US20040236345A1 (en) * 2000-11-03 2004-11-25 Greenberg Roy K. Medical grasping device
US20040243174A1 (en) * 2000-11-03 2004-12-02 Ackerman Andrew J. Medical grasping device having embolic protection
US20050090936A1 (en) * 2003-10-24 2005-04-28 Hitt Dale K. Two-wire control of sprinkler system
JP2005152060A (en) * 2003-11-21 2005-06-16 Pentax Corp Snare for endoscope
US6923813B2 (en) 2003-09-03 2005-08-02 Kyphon Inc. Devices for creating voids in interior body regions and related methods
US6936058B2 (en) 2000-10-18 2005-08-30 Nmt Medical, Inc. Over-the-wire interlock attachment/detachment mechanism
US20050209609A1 (en) * 2004-02-24 2005-09-22 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Foreign body retrieval devices
US20050222568A1 (en) * 2004-03-31 2005-10-06 Wilson-Cook Medical Inc. Adjustable handle for a medical device
US7169154B1 (en) 1999-05-25 2007-01-30 Scimedlife Systems, Inc. Releasable basket and method of making thereof
US20070060933A1 (en) * 2005-07-11 2007-03-15 Meera Sankaran Curette heads
US7264622B2 (en) 1993-06-10 2007-09-04 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. System for radial bone displacement
US20080086147A1 (en) * 2006-10-05 2008-04-10 Knapp Thomas P Shape memory filament for suture management
US20080086149A1 (en) * 2006-10-06 2008-04-10 Cook Incorporated Retrieval snare for extracting foreign objects from body cavities and method for manufacturing thereof
US20080119869A1 (en) * 2006-11-21 2008-05-22 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical retrieval devices
US7753917B2 (en) 2000-11-03 2010-07-13 Cook Incorporated Medical grasping device
US7776052B2 (en) 2000-11-03 2010-08-17 Cook Incorporated Medical grasping device
US20110098742A1 (en) * 2006-10-05 2011-04-28 Knapp Thomas P Shape memory filament for suture management
US20110190832A1 (en) * 2010-01-20 2011-08-04 Kyle Taylor Apparatus and methods for bone access and cavity preparation
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US20130041373A1 (en) * 2011-05-13 2013-02-14 Michael D. Laufer Methods and devices for excision of tissue
US8523879B1 (en) 2005-03-31 2013-09-03 Stuart J. Lind Stone retriever for flexible endoscopes having small diameter working channels
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US9101383B1 (en) 2003-04-25 2015-08-11 Annex Medical, Inc. Medical retrieval device
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US9498238B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-11-22 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Tissue resection snares
US9517093B2 (en) 2008-01-14 2016-12-13 Conventus Orthopaedics, Inc. Apparatus and methods for fracture repair
US9533128B2 (en) 2003-07-18 2017-01-03 Broncus Medical Inc. Devices for maintaining patency of surgically created channels in tissue
US9597108B2 (en) 2013-06-30 2017-03-21 Jiyong Ahn Manual thrombectomy device
US9642616B2 (en) 2005-06-20 2017-05-09 Nobles Medical Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for applying a knot to a suture
US9649106B2 (en) 2011-04-15 2017-05-16 Heartstitch, Inc. Suturing devices and methods for suturing an anatomic valve
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US9730739B2 (en) 2010-01-15 2017-08-15 Conventus Orthopaedics, Inc. Rotary-rigid orthopaedic rod
US9913969B2 (en) 2006-10-05 2018-03-13 Broncus Medical Inc. Devices for delivering substances through an extra-anatomic opening created in an airway
US10022132B2 (en) 2013-12-12 2018-07-17 Conventus Orthopaedics, Inc. Tissue displacement tools and methods
US10188425B2 (en) 2010-12-13 2019-01-29 Pacesetter, Inc. Pacemaker retrieval systems and methods
US10272260B2 (en) 2011-11-23 2019-04-30 Broncus Medical Inc. Methods and devices for diagnosing, monitoring, or treating medical conditions through an opening through an airway wall
US10512458B2 (en) 2013-12-06 2019-12-24 Med-Venture Investments, Llc Suturing methods and apparatuses
US10687801B2 (en) 2016-04-11 2020-06-23 Nobles Medical Technologies Ii, Inc. Suture spools for tissue suturing device
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US10918426B2 (en) 2017-07-04 2021-02-16 Conventus Orthopaedics, Inc. Apparatus and methods for treatment of a bone
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US11350944B2 (en) 2003-10-09 2022-06-07 Sentreheart Llc Apparatus and method for the ligation of tissue
US11389167B2 (en) * 2016-02-26 2022-07-19 Atricure, Inc. Devices and methods for left atrial appendage closure
US11395658B2 (en) 2014-07-11 2022-07-26 Cardio Medical Solutions, Inc. Device and method for assisting end-to-side anastomosis
US11596419B2 (en) 2017-03-09 2023-03-07 Flower Orthopedics Corporation Plating depth gauge and countersink instrument
US20230099335A1 (en) * 2020-12-25 2023-03-30 Lucky Loop Medical AB Biopsy/cytology device for sampling cells or tissue in mammals
US11826050B2 (en) 2007-03-30 2023-11-28 Atricure, Inc. Devices, systems, and methods for closing the left atrial appendage
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Cited By (189)

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US3955578A (en) * 1974-12-23 1976-05-11 Cook Inc. Rotatable surgical snare
US4202338A (en) * 1977-11-18 1980-05-13 Richard Wolf Gmbh Device for removing excrescences and polyps
DE3501707A1 (en) * 1985-01-19 1986-07-24 Georg 3008 Garbsen Pauldrach Device for crushing concrements formed in hollow organs
US5066295A (en) * 1986-05-13 1991-11-19 Mill-Rose Laboratories, Inc. Rotatable surgical snare
EP0385588A2 (en) * 1989-03-03 1990-09-05 Wilson-Cook Medical Inc. Sphincterotomy device having controlled bending and orientation
EP0385588A3 (en) * 1989-03-03 1991-09-04 Wilson-Cook Medical Inc. Sphincterotomy device having controlled bending and orientation
US5171233A (en) * 1990-04-25 1992-12-15 Microvena Corporation Snare-type probe
US5201741A (en) * 1990-07-24 1993-04-13 Andrew Surgical, Inc. Surgical snare with shape memory effect wire
US5171314A (en) * 1990-07-24 1992-12-15 Andrew Surgical, Inc. Surgical snare
EP1277442A3 (en) * 1990-10-09 2004-03-10 Medtronic, Inc. Device or apparatus for manipulating matter
EP1027906A3 (en) * 1990-10-09 2000-11-02 Medtronic, Inc. Device or apparatus for manipulating matter
WO1992005828A1 (en) * 1990-10-09 1992-04-16 Raychem Corporation Device or apparatus for manipulating matter
US5312416A (en) * 1991-10-18 1994-05-17 Endomedix Corporation Method and system for enclosing, manipulating, debulking and removing tissue through minimal access incisions
US5207686A (en) * 1992-04-15 1993-05-04 Stuart Dolgin Surgical snare
EP0661949A4 (en) * 1992-09-23 1995-09-20 Target Therapeutics Inc Medical retrieval device.
EP0661949A1 (en) * 1992-09-23 1995-07-12 Target Therapeutics, Inc. Medical retrieval device
US5417684A (en) * 1993-03-11 1995-05-23 Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. Laparoscopic surgical grasper with a loop with gripping formations
US7264622B2 (en) 1993-06-10 2007-09-04 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. System for radial bone displacement
EP0708621A1 (en) * 1994-05-12 1996-05-01 Target Therapeutics, Inc. Dual coil medical retrieval device
US5522819A (en) * 1994-05-12 1996-06-04 Target Therapeutics, Inc. Dual coil medical retrieval device
EP0708621A4 (en) * 1994-05-12 1997-05-21 Target Therapeutics Inc Dual coil medical retrieval device
US5860987A (en) * 1994-10-04 1999-01-19 United States Surgical Corporation Surgical retractor
US5613973A (en) * 1995-03-10 1997-03-25 Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. Laraposcopic surgical grasper having an attachable strap
US5782839A (en) * 1995-03-10 1998-07-21 Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. Laparoscopic surgical grasper having a detachable strap
US7717924B2 (en) 1996-05-03 2010-05-18 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical retrieval device
US6096053A (en) * 1996-05-03 2000-08-01 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Medical retrieval basket
US6800080B1 (en) 1996-05-03 2004-10-05 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Medical retrieval device
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US6352539B1 (en) * 1997-05-02 2002-03-05 Scilogy Corp. Surgical instrument with rotatable shaft
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US7678118B2 (en) 1997-10-01 2010-03-16 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Releasable basket
US7018385B2 (en) 1997-10-01 2006-03-28 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Medical retrieval basket with legs shaped to enhance capture and reduce trauma
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US20060190007A1 (en) * 1997-10-01 2006-08-24 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical retrieval basket with legs shaped to enhance capture and reduce trauma
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US8603104B2 (en) 1997-10-01 2013-12-10 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical retrieval basket with legs shaped to enhance capture and reduce trauma
US20030078593A1 (en) * 1997-10-01 2003-04-24 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Medical retrieval basket with legs shaped to enhance capture and reduce trauma
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US7879038B2 (en) 1998-04-06 2011-02-01 Kyphon Sarl Apparatus, kits, and methods for creating cavities in cancellous bone using an elongated loop structure or bristles
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US20080269760A1 (en) * 1998-04-06 2008-10-30 Kyphon Inc. Apparatus, kits, and methods for creating cavities in cancellous bone using an elongated loop structure or bristles
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US20070197861A1 (en) * 1998-04-06 2007-08-23 Kyphon Inc. Systems and methods for creating cavities in interior body regions
US5944728A (en) * 1998-04-23 1999-08-31 Boston Scientific Corporation Surgical retrieval basket with the ability to capture and release material
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WO2000042926A1 (en) * 1999-01-26 2000-07-27 General Science & Technology Corporation Polypectomy snare instrument with rotatable shaft
US6245078B1 (en) * 1999-04-26 2001-06-12 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Snare for endoscope
US7875038B2 (en) 1999-05-25 2011-01-25 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Releasable basket and method of making thereof
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